Ryan said he stood by his reasoning for the decision to dismiss Conroy last month and planned to meet with the chaplain next week.

"It is my job as speaker to do what is best for the body, and I know that this body is not well-served by a protracted fight over such an important post. I intend to sit down with Father Conroy early next week so that we can move forward for the good of the whole House," Ryan said.

Conroy informed Ryan of his decision to remain as chaplain at least through the end of the year in a two-page letter earlier Thursday, adding he believes he was pressured to resign on April 13 without cause, The Washington Post reported.

On Friday, Ryan said he dismissed Conroy after complaints from other lawmakers who felt their "pastoral needs" were not being met.

He said the lawmakers requested a chaplain who offers more "spiritual counseling" and that it was simply "time for a change."

Ryan denied the idea that his dismissal of Conroy was due to politics after Conroy asked lawmakers to be "mindful" of economic disparities on Nov. 6 amid House Republicans' sweeping tax reform efforts.